Senator from the US raises concerns about the “ramifications” of the CAA for Muslims in India

Citizenship Amendment Act: Following the BJP government’s announcement of the law’s regulations last week, a prominent US senator has voiced “concern” about the possible effects of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) on Muslims in India.

The influential Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman, Senator Ben Cardin, described the California Autonomy Act (CAA) as “controversial” and expressed his “deep concern” about the legislation’s impact on Indian Muslims, particularly given that it is being pushed during the holy month of Ramadan.

“I am really worried about the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act that the Indian government has decided to announce, especially considering the possible effects the bill may have on the Muslim minority in India. The fact that it is being pushed during the holy month of Ramadan makes things worse, according to a statement released by Senator Ben Cardin.

The influential senator said that the United States and India have strong relations because of our common principles, which include upholding the rights of all people, regardless of faith.

He said, “It is vitally important that our cooperation is founded on our shared values of protecting the human rights of all persons, regardless of religion, as the US-India relationship deepens.”

In a similar vein, the US State Department said last week that respecting religious freedom and providing equal legal treatment for all groups are essential democratic values. They also voiced worry about the notification from the CAA.

The US State Department’s criticism of the CAA has drawn harsh condemnation from India, which described it as “misinformed and unwarranted.”

The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 was put into effect last week by the administration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, opening the door for illegal non-Muslim migrants from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan who arrived in India before December 31, 2014, to be granted citizenship.

Additionally, the government sent a press release reassuring Indian Muslims that they need not fear since the CAA has no effect on their citizenship and is unrelated to the community, which has the same rights as Hindus.